MYBA Charter Yacht Show in Genoa: Day 1

In Genoa the MYBA Charter Yacht show has opened its doors to the very select clientele it permits to view the worlds finest charter yachts. Once again the Molo Vecchio is crammed full of Charter Yachts whose crews have been hard at work polishing them and Charter brokers are drifting down to the quayside in eager anticipation of a successful MYBA Charter show. While today was fine the weather forecast for the rest of the week in the city looks set to remain miserably damp with heavy rain forecast throughout the week.

Registration for visiting brokers takes place from 0900 with yachts available for viewing from 0930 until 1700 but closed for lunch from 1230 until 1400. This evening there are no formal events but one or two of the trade exhibits threw private parties on the dock.

The stunning sailing yacht Lady Thuraya played host to a wonderful party in the early evening. Her owner, Jan Verkerk is the man who created Sherakhan has created another masterpiece of restoration. This time he has used the yacht that was built in 1982 as Borkumriff II. He has kept many of her original features and on deck she is little different to her original conception, it is down below decks that the real miracle has occurred. She has been converted into a beautiful classic sailing boat with a contemporary interior that is both comfortable and surprisingly spacious. She is now available for sale and charter through the Monaco offices of Camper & Nicholson.

Champagne and canapes aboard her was the perfect starter for what followed when we boarded the 35 metre motor yacht 5 Fishes a yacht on display through the International Yacht Collection. It was to this great yacht that we had been invited to dinner together with 8 top charter brokers. It was as we sat down to the evening meal and spotted the menu that we realised what a splendid feast we were about to partake. Seven courses of gastronomic pleasure followed one after another highlighting what a spectacularly talented chef they have on board.